Inspecting Carol

Holiday entertainment gets a very different twist at Westport Community Theatre with  Inspecting Carol, which opened Friday and continues through Dec. 13.

The play is at all times irreverent, madcap, clever, farcical, satirical – a wickedly satirical look at “A Christmas” – and one of the funniest comedies that has hit the WCT stage, according to a news release.

The, written by Daniel Sullivan and the Seattle Repertory Company, is about The Soapbox Playhouse, a regional theater company whose members are made up of various eccentric characters. The company is in the process of rehearsing their tired annual production of Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol,” the theatre’s sure-fire money earner.

When they are informed that their annual endowment grant is in question and an inspector will be coming to decide their fate, a case of mistaken identity turns a young aspiring actor of questionable talent into the star of their own interpretation of "A Christmas Carol." The plot unfolds in the classic tradition of farce – actors' egos, mistaken identities, and a riotous version of a classic favorite adds to laughter.

Director David L. Jackins is directing for the first time at WCT, having performed there in 2007 as the Man in Veronica’s Room and having directed Portrait of a Madonna here a while back. David holds a degree in Speech/Theatre/Communication from the University of Maine. He is a founding member of Crystal Theatre in Norwalk, and is the founder/director of Creative Summer at the Mead School, a multi-arts program for children, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. As an actor, he has appeared Off-Broadway and in stock and regional theatre. In addition, he is the author of the musicals Louder than Words and Without Passion or Prejudice, as well as being a frequent set and lighting designer.

Multi-talented Jessica Denes, Producer of Inspecting Carol, is appearing on stage as well as behind-the-scenes. She directed the theatre’s critically acclaimed smash hit Master Class, and gave a powerful performance at WCT as actress Joan Plowright in Orson’s Shadow. Next up for Jessica is a directorial role at Eastbound Theatre with the very funnyLove, Sex and the IRS.

The talented ensemble cast includes John Bachelder, Fredda Takacs, Marc Hartog, Nancy Sinacori, Jim Cooper, Dainelle Testori-Gartner, Jeremy Shockley, Thomas Takacs, Aaron Johnson, Sean Wallace and Sam Bosha. The production is under the Veronica LeClair assists as Stage Manager.

Inspecting Carol runs Fridays and Saturdays December 4, 5, and 12 at 8:00 PM; Sundays December 6 and 13 at 2:00 PM; and Thursday, December 3 at 8:00 PM.

Please note – Inspecting Carol is not suitable for children under 12. Tickets range from $14 to $18. Groups of 10 or more enjoy a $2 per ticket discount, and there is a special "Student Rush" discount 10 minutes prior to performances for students of all ages with a valid student identification card.

Contact the WCT Box Office at (203) 226-1983 for reservations or additional information; go to www.westportcommunitytheatre.com for driving directions. Westport Community Theatre is located at Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT - 06880.